Drivers face delays after Tyne Tunnel closure

Drivers faced delays in South Tyneside this morning after the Tyne Tunnel was closed due to a fire alarm.

The closure of the tunnels in both directions is thought to have affected drivers across the borough, particularly on Newcastle Road and Leam Lane, where there was heavy traffic up to the Lindisfarne roundabout.

Drivers faced delays of about 20 minutes.

The Tyne Tunnel fire was caused by overheating equipment in the switch room, and was out within half an hour of firefighters from Jarrow fire station arriving.